I have spoken to many local residents over the past year about the improvements and actions that we need to see to make our communities even better places to live. In response, I have launched Our Plan to secure a better future for Macclesfield, Bollington, Disley, Poynton, Prestbury and surrounding villages. The key priorities are set out below:
1. Safeguarding Local Health Services
I campaigned to save adult mental health beds in Macclesfield and secured the future of A&E services at Macclesfield Hospital. We now need to actively support the delivery of The Christie Cancer Centre at the hospital.
2. Revitalising Macclesfield Town Centre
Having secured £5 million from Cheshire East Council to improve public spaces, I am pressing for plans to now be rolled out with local businesses and community groups to improve the town centre.
3. Improving School Funding
Working with other local MPs, I have campaigned for increased funding for schools in Cheshire East. I am pleased the Government has listened and will be boosting school funding from next year.
4. Protecting the Environment
Tackling climate change through local projects is vital. We must work to safeguard the Green Belt and focus housing development on brownfield sites. Air quality issues need to be addressed in Broken Cross and Disley.
5. Cracking Down on Crime
I actively support local police in combatting crime and anti-social behaviour, particularly drug related crime exploiting young people. The announced increase in police officers will advance their work.
6. Tackling Traffic Congestion and Improving Infrastructure
Taking forward the planned Poynton relief road is an urgent priority. We need clear action plans for flood management in Poynton, Bollington and Kettleshulme, and faster broadband in our rural communities.
7. Strengthening the Local Economy
I am actively working with AstraZeneca to support its future ambitions for its Macclesfield site. We need to support our vibrant life sciences sector and vital small businesses to create more local jobs.